How to Tell the Difference Between Faux and Real Leather in a Leather Store in Denver

September 13, 2017

Before buying anything from a leather store in Denver, it’s important to know if you are buying faux or real leather so you know how much the piece is worth and how long it will last. How can you tell the difference between faux and real leather? Follow these tips:

Check the Label

Most manufacturers that make real leather products are proud to advertise that their products are made out of genuine leather. Check the label on the item and look for signs that the product is real. Some of the phrases that are often found on the labels of real leather products include “real leather,” “genuine leather,” “top/full grain leather,” or “made with animal products.” If a label says nothing about whether the product is faux or real, you should always assume that it is faux. Learn the best ways to identify genuine leather.

Look at the Edges

Next, take a look at the edges of the product. You may think that a high quality, genuine leather product would have smooth and pristine edges, but that’s not the case. Faux leather will have smooth and rounded edges, whereas genuine leather will look a little rougher. If the leather piece looks a little rough around the edges, this is a sign that it’s genuine leather.

Examine the Leather

You can also examine the surface of the leather to determine if it is real or faux. Real leather will have imperfections, so you may see small scratches, wrinkles, and pores in the material. However, faux leather will look nearly perfect.

Test the Smell

Real leather has a very distinct smell, so it never hurts to smell the item in question to determine if it is real or faux. Genuine leather will have a natural, almost musty smell, whereas faux leather typically smells more like plastic or chemicals. There is a noticeable difference between the way real and faux leather smells, so this is a great test to use when in doubt of an item’s authenticity.

Price

Don’t forget to check the price tag as well. Genuine leather is much more expensive than faux leather, so items that are made out of genuine leather typically are not cheap. If you think that a price is too good to be true, it’s probably faux leather.

Moisture Test

This test should not be performed on any items that are within a leather store, but if you happen to find a piece in your closet that you’re unsure of, this is a great way to determine if it’s real or fake. Sprinkle a few droplets of water on the surface of the jacket. If the water stays on the surface, the jacket is faux leather. However, if the water quickly absorbs, it is genuine leather.

Are you ready to shop for real leather clothing? Jonval is known as the go-to store for leather, fur, and shearling. Browse our eclectic collection of furs and leathers or stop by to have one of your fur or leather pieces cleaned, stored, or repaired. Contact us today to learn more about our services.